The Royal Australian Navy has welcomed two more Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats into commissioned service in a ceremony at their homeport of HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin.

The ceremony will give Cape Schanck and Cape Solander the designation of His Majesty’s Australian Ships (HMAS), officially recognising their status as commissioned warships in the Royal Australian Navy.

Commander Surface Force, Commodore Terence Morrison, DSM, said the commissioning of the Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats celebrated the work already conducted by the crew and provided Navy with increased operational capability and greater mission flexibility.

“The commissioning of HMAS Cape Schanck and HMAS Cape Solander demonstrates their importance to Australia and the Australian people, and what we stand for as a nation,” Commodore Morrison said.

“It also represents Navy’s commitment to protecting Australia and its interests, as well as upholding maritime security and ensuring peace and stability within our region.

“The Evolved Cape Class Patrol boats, named for capes around Australia’s coastline, have quickly become the backbone of Navy’s commitment to Operation Resolute.

“Navy is proud to commission these vessels and to have them fly the Australian White Ensign.”

The ships have been operating as Australian Defence Vessels (ADV), and will continue to be used for the full spectrum of patrol boat operations, including border, resources and fisheries protection, customs and drug law enforcement operations, and international engagement.